Annoying Adobe Flash Player update popups

Please run EtreCheck and post the report here.

This is a diagnostic test and will check for adware.

https://itunes.apple.com/app/etrecheck/id1423715984?mt=12

Click  View in Mac App Store   button and then “Get” button underneath EtreCheck logo.

Download, install, click “Open’ in the dialog and run it.

Click “Share Report” button in the toolbar, select “Copy to Clipboard” .

Paste it into the reply.

Safari/Preferences/Advanced - enable the Develop menu, then go there and Empty Caches. Quit/reopen Safari and test. Then try Safari/History/Show History and delete all history items.  Quit/reopen Safari and test. You can also try try Safari/Clear History…. The down side is it clears all cookies. Doing this may cause some sites to no longer recognize your computer as one that has visited the web site. Go to Finder and select your user/home folder. With that Finder window as the front window, either select Finder/View/Show View options or go command - J.  When the View options opens, check ’Show Library Folder’. That should make your user library folder visible in your user/home folder.  Select Library/Caches/com.apple.Safari/Cache.db and move it to the trash.

@Gordonvp, I got caught by that phoney Flash update and warned all my friends that it was malware. Fortunately I had just backed up using Time Machine and I restored my Macbook to just before the update using TM overnight. It's a major job whichever method you use.

Put a note up on the office wall - I Don't Need Flash Any More - Never Update!!

Try running/posting Etrecheck as Dominic suggested.

If the log won’t post, try posting it here and provide a link in a reply        Pastebin

I ran EtreCheck and it says I have Adware. Is the only option to purchase software to remove and which is the safest?

EtreCheck report indicates adware infection.

You can remove this using two methods.

1. Using EtreCheck: https://etrecheck.com/maspro

    Run EtreCheck again.

Scroll up the sidebar and click the “Security” button

   “Adware” and the “Unsigned” files will be listed on the right hand side pane along with a “Remove” button.

    Click the ”Remove” button.

    Restart your Mac. Launch Safari holding the “Shift” key down.

2. Using “Malwarebytes for Mac”:

 1. Use  the latest release of MalwareBytes for Mac to remove malware/adware.

     Install guide:       https://support.malwarebytes.com/docs/DOC-1817

     Uninstall Guide:  https://support.malwarebytes.com/docs/DOC-1190

     The installer may ask you to allow it in Security & Privacy  /System Preference. Allow it.

 2. Uninstall any extension you have not installed knowingly.

     Disable or uninstall extensions.

     Section: Manage extensions: https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/use-safari-extensions-sfri32508/mac

Restart the Mac. Launch Safari holding the "shift"t key down

No, you don't have to purchase the app.

Use the Free download.

Run it.

Scroll up the sidebar, click the blue Security button.

On the righthand side, you should see a box listing adware mach along with a "Remove" buttons.

Click the "Remove" button.

Quit the app.